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Rotorua Lakes District Council has taken a step towards transferring ownership of land at Hamurana Springs to Ngati Rangiwewehi.
Its Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee yesterday resolved to revoke the reserve status of a small block used for water supply purposes.
If the full council agrees, it will force the Minister of Conservation to make a decision on its future.
The iwi secured title to the 47 hectare Hamurana Springs Recreation Reserve as part of its treaty settlement, but the crown kept ownership of the springs and the 0.2 hectare water take area, with a perpetual easement for the council.
The council’s kaitiaki Maori, Monty Morrison, and water solutions director Andy Bell told councilors the council doesn’t need to own the land to keep taking water.
They say the council needs to address long-standing grievances in the district as part of building an enduring relationship with Te Arawa.
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